Wenninger's brace ends Sturm's winning streak

While Sturm Graz had to suffer their first defeat of the season on Sunday at the Messendorf training centre, ÖFB team players Annabel Schasching and Naika Reissner simultaneously scored convincing goals in the German Cup – a contrast between a domestic setback and international success for Austria.

First defeat for Sturm Graz

Defending champion Austria Wien settled the eighth‑round match on Sunday at the Messendorf training centre with a deserved 2‑0 win against the hosts. Carina Wenninger, captain of Austria, shone as a double‑goal scorer in the 75th and 92nd minute. The brace delivered the late away victory. Sebastian Neugebauer of SturmTifo.com described the result as surprising for the first‑league era.

Wenninger collected the ball after a free‑kick cross that had been only briefly cleared by Sturm goalkeeper Sarah‑Lisa Dübel, struck it high toward the goal and the Sturm defenders could not clear it any longer. In stoppage time she converted a pass from Almedina Sisic from the far corner.

With 16 points now, Austria Wien closes to within three points of Sturm Graz, which has played one more match. St. Pölten leads the women's Bundesliga with 21 points.

Sturm Graz is already preparing for the second‑leg of the second qualifying round of the Women’s Europa Cup against VfL Wolfsburg on Wednesday, after the first leg was lost 1‑6 and only pride remains at stake. On Thursday the team awaits the Champions League “king‑class” with a home match against Inter Milan.

ÖFB players in the German Cup

In the German Cup, ÖFB team player Annabel Schasching already scored the equaliser for RB Leipzig in the 2nd minute of the 2‑0 away win against SF Blau‑Gelb Marburg. Naika Reissner followed with a brace that took Leipzig into the round of 16, and had previously contributed two goals for 1. FC Union Berlin in the 5‑0 victory over 1. FC Magdeburg.

Women's champions Bayern Munich had to come back from a 0‑1 half‑time deficit against Borussia Mönchengladbach and eventually won 2‑1. Katharina Naschenweng and Sarah Zadrazil played until the break, Barbara Dunst did not feature.

SCR Altach solidified the fourth place in the table with a 1‑0 win against the relegation‑watch team Südburgenland/TSV Hartberg. At the same time, St. Pölten remained flawless in the league, while Rapid missed the win against Red Bull Salzburg.